ATI RN
Cardiovascular Test Bank Questions
Question 1 of 5
The client is on a statin medication. The nurse tells the client that the purpose of taking a statin drug is what?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: To reduce total and LDL cholesterol. Statin medications are primarily used to lower cholesterol levels, specifically total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. This is achieved by inhibiting an enzyme involved in cholesterol synthesis. Incorrect answers: A: Thinning blood is the function of anticoagulants, not statins. C: Statins do not break up plaques in the arteries; they prevent further plaque buildup. D: Statins do not destabilize cholesterol plaques; they primarily focus on lowering cholesterol levels.
Question 2 of 5
The client has a heart rate of 70 and a P wave that comes early and is malformed. What is the likely cause of this?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Premature atrial contractions. This is because the client's heart rate is normal (70) and the P wave is coming early and malformed, indicating an early atrial depolarization. This is characteristic of premature atrial contractions, where an ectopic focus in the atria causes an early impulse. The other choices are incorrect because in a normal sinus rhythm (A), the P wave would be normal and not early or malformed. Frequent PVCs (C) would show wide and bizarre QRS complexes, not a malformed P wave. A ventricular escape rhythm (D) would have a slower heart rate and a different pattern of electrical activity.
Question 3 of 5
The client is being fitted for a Holter Monitor. What does the nurse tell the client in preparation for the test?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because the client should record the time of any palpable events, such as palpitations, during the Holter Monitor test to correlate symptoms with the recorded heart rhythm. This information helps healthcare providers make an accurate diagnosis. Choice A is incorrect as the client can go about their usual activities during the test. Choice B is incorrect as the client can bathe normally while wearing the Holter monitor. Choice C is incorrect as the test typically lasts for 24 to 48 hours, not just 30 minutes.
Question 4 of 5
Diltiazem (Cardizem) is ordered for a patient with newly diagnosed Prinzmetal’s (variant) angina. When teaching the patient, the nurse will include the information that diltiazem will
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: decrease coronary artery spasms. Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker that helps to relax and dilate coronary arteries, reducing the frequency and severity of coronary artery spasms in Prinzmetal's angina. This action improves blood flow to the heart muscle, relieving chest pain. A: reduce heart palpitations - Diltiazem may cause bradycardia (slow heart rate) but is not primarily used to reduce heart palpitations. B: prevent coronary artery plaque - Diltiazem does not prevent the formation of coronary artery plaque. D: increase contractile force of the heart - Diltiazem actually decreases the contractile force of the heart by reducing cardiac workload and oxygen demand.
Question 5 of 5
When caring for a patient who is recovering from a sudden cardiac death (SCD) event and has no evidence of an acute myocardial infarction (AMI), the nurse will anticipate teaching the patient that
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because after a sudden cardiac death (SCD) event without evidence of an acute myocardial infarction (AMI), additional diagnostic testing is needed to determine the underlying cause and assess the risk of recurrence. This testing may include cardiac imaging, electrophysiological studies, and genetic testing. By identifying the specific cause, healthcare providers can tailor treatment plans to prevent future SCD events. A: This is incorrect because the risk of SCD recurrence can vary based on the underlying cause and individual patient factors. C: Long-term anticoagulation therapy is not typically indicated for SCD without evidence of AMI unless there is a specific indication such as atrial fibrillation or a clotting disorder. D: Limiting physical activity alone is not a comprehensive strategy for preventing future SCD events; individualized recommendations should be based on diagnostic findings.